Beoordelingen van onze reizigers

This was an excellent trip to Mayan Mexico. Visiting small villages, colonial towns, Mayan ruins denotes and the beach was a delight. The cycling was good and the information shared about the Mayan civilization was excellent. Excellent food, advice and facilities made this trip delightful.

The group leader was excellent- very knowledgeable, personable and helpful.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

10

Cycling in Mexico

A great trip for anybody who would like to have an active holiday with learning about the country. It is a perfect balance of work, seeing Mexico as it is (not just tourist destinations), seeing archeological and colonial landmarks with an excellent guide, and having time to relax while swimming, snorkeling, walking on a beach.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

By the end of the trip starting to feel very connected to the place.

What did you think of your group leader?

Fernando is an excellent guide. He made the trip a success.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be careful with food and water.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A dream vacation!

10

Once upon a time in Mexico....

Welcoming sun, vibrant colours, mouth-watering food, lush jungles, Mayan ruins and pristine white beaches. What more do you want as an escape plan from Britain’s dark and gloomy winters? After wandering the beautiful cobbled streets of colonial towns such as Merida and Izamal we would cycle the back roads of the Yucatan, through tiny Mayan villages often stopping off to explore a hidden Franciscan monastery or to swim in the crystal clear waters of a cenote. And of course you couldn’t visit the peninsula without exploring the impressive Mayan ruins that emerge through the jungle canopy. The hotels were also a huge bonus on this trip. Each had its own unique character (one built around a private jungle!) and every one had a private pool. And of course by the time you get to Tulum, you have the biggest pool of them all – the Caribbean Sea.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were so many unforgettable moments on that trip – stepping inside the otherworldly cenotes and taking in the sights and smells of the food market in Merida to name a few. But the most inspirational moment had to be the incredibly warm welcome from the locals as we cycled through the sleepy Mayan villages. People of all ages would rush off their porches with huge smiles, furiously waving and cheering like we were the peloton of the Tour de France. We were also incredibly fortunate to be travelling at the same time as the annual Guadalupe pilgrimage, in which Mexicans from all around the country cycle enormous distances in honour of the Virgin of Guadalupe. It made for an amazing spectacle as their bikes would be adorned with enormous flags, lights, sirens and almost any form of decoration that could fit on the frame of the bike. I will especially never forget the sight of one young worshipper cycling with a 5 foot statue strapped to his back!

What did you think of your group leader?

Fernando Cobos – what can I say… Honestly one of the best leaders I have been fortunate enough to meet. An extremely enthusiastic, hardworking, knowledgeable individual. There wasn’t a moment where Fernando wasn’t working above and beyond to ensure we were all having the best possible experience. His knowledge on Mexico and ancient Maya was almost encyclopaedic and his obvious passion for his country brought the history alive. On top of all of all of this, and fixing and adjusting our bikes, he had a great sense of humour (and put on a brave face with our terrible British jokes) and was just an all-round incredibly nice guy. Gracias Fernando!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Although the seats on the bikes are comfortable, I found that padded cycling shorts helped a lot for the longer cycling days. And make sure you have a camera handy on the bike as the locals in the Mayan villages loved having their photos taken, and the support vehicle with your equipment may not be there when you need it. Also every day Fernando would suggest local dishes specific to the area we were in. You need to try them all as they were absolutely delicious but for me the Pollo Pibil in Merida that was cooked in a banana leaf and the grilled Grouper in Tulum took joint first place.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Go! If you have always wanted to visit Mexico, this is by far the best way of doing.

10

Yucatan villages, towns and Mayan sites and all on a bike

This was one of the most enjoyable cycle trips we've done. It's a lovely mixture combining beautiful colonial towns such as Merida and Valladolid, three stunning Mayan sights (Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum), some interesting villages offering a welcome stop for snacks and drinks along with an inevitable visit to the church and some friendly contacts with local villagers. No doubt they wondered what these Europeans were doing on bikes when they could be swishing about in a car or tourist bus. Add to this, our guide, Fernando who immersed us in fascinating Mayan and Mexican culture, an introduction to Mexican cuisine, some welcome swims in cenotes (crystal-clear lagoons), an unforgettable visit to a marine biosphere and a final 2 days in Tulum, a relatively unspoilt coastal resort.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The most surreal moment was floating down the outlet of a huge freshwater lagoon as it made its way to the sea. Wearing a life jacket strapped to your lower body (rather like a nappy) made for 45 minutes of effortless and hugely enjoyable floating. In the heat of the day it was bliss.

What did you think of your group leader?

Fernando Cobos is an incredibly articulate and imaginative Mexican guide. Unlike many local guides who are often difficult to understand, Fernando's conversations were very clear and concise. He had a wealth of knowledge about Mayan and local cultures which helped to make the Mayan site visits an enriching experience. He was also a very good cycling guide with a welcome sense of humour.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The fairly long daily rides were on flat, mostly quiet roads and we were encouraged to cycle as fast or as slow as we wished although everyone in our group was tempted to keep up some quite high speeds. Fernando and Edgar, his colleague, did everything they could to make sure that the slowest did not feel uncomfortable or stressed in any way. Except for the last day, we passed through a number of interesting villages which provided a welcome snack and drink break, making the long rides quite manageable.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The bikes were in good condition and well maintained by Edgar, the back-up leader who has the obvious potential to become a good leader himself. Again, his English is very good indeed. Make sure you bring a pair of decently padded cycle shorts for the long runs. The whole trip was a wonderful mix of fun, effort and interest. We were blessed with a smashing group of fellow cyclists which made the experience that more enjoyable.

10

Cycling In Mexico-MAM

This is a trip for anyone interested in Mayan history and culture,Mexican colours and sounds,and for the food ( not to mention the margaritas ! ) The Yucatan peninsula is flat so the cycling is easy and allows reasonable speeds to be achieved. It is not a trip for anyone mainly interested in landscape scenery-the countryside is flat and mainly bush/shrubbery.The beauty is to be found in the towns e.g. Izamal with its ochre buildings.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Close run thing between the sunset at Izamal ( stunning against the ochre buildings ) and the wow factor of Chichen Itza-will opt for the former by a slender margin.

What did you think of your group leader?

Fernando was as good a guide as I have ever experienced-faultless really.He was charming and witty throughout,had a real passion for Mayan history,culture and religion accompanied by a thorough knowledge of his subject. It truly was educational in a very enjoyable way.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

We had early starts ( sunrise c 7am) and usually finished mid afternoon,followed by lunch c 4 pm. It is a long stretch without a meal,so bring snacks,energy bars etc. Bananas were provided by Exodus,also some cereal bars,but I would advise supplementing this with your own.
Also pack the mosquito repellant.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The quality of the hotels throughout was excellent-the final hotel ( 3 nights ) at Tulum Beach was luxury ! We never had any difficulty in finding good restaurants-mostly recommended by Fernando-and the standard of the food was high.
It is an active holiday-apart from the cycling,there is plenty of walking around historical sites and loads of opportunity for swimming.
Finally some of the roads have lots of potholes so care needs to be taken-Exodus might want to consider using hybrid bicycles with some suspension .

8

cycling mexico

Very interesting area visited. Fernando the guide was excellent and very knowledgeable.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Chichen Itza the highlight for me. Also enjoyed the little villages on the way.

What did you think of your group leader?

Very good. Extremely helpful and enthusiastic.
He had to change the first day's itinery because of bad weather but he did very well to organise an alternative at short notice.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Yes! Liz and I travelled 3 days early to get acclimatized, so arrived at the airport by ourselves. We wanted to get a taxi to Cancun town - only a short distance, say 8 or 9 km or so. The only taxis availiable were big people carrier types. The charge was 65 US dollars per person. It was not possible to get an ordinary small taxi. The rather rude driver then got 2 more people in - at the same fee! So he made 260 US dollars for a trip of 20 mins or so. Compare this to the really nice man who brought us back from Tulum to the airport a distance of 160 km taking 100 minutes for a fee of £50 say about 75 US dollars. When I got home I checked the net to find that you can't in fact get ordinary taxis at all at Cancun Airport, that there is some sort of cartel operating. This is a disgraceful scam!!! I think you can prebook a taxi, but I don't know if it's any cheaper. We could have got a bus to town but it took 2 hours to get through passport control and after an 11 hour flight we were exhausted. I think you should warn future travellers that this trap awaits them.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Maybe an official complaint from a respected tour company like yourselves to customer relations at Cancun Airport would be useful.

10

KuKulcan

As a non-cyclist on my first cycling holiday, this was the perfect introduction. A fantastic mix of exertion and culture, well organised and well led. I am already planning my next trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Chichen Itza - one of the new seven wonders of the world - was an incredible sight. But also the ordinary Mexican villages we cycled through, the cenotes and the lazy river - all great moments.

What did you think of your group leader?

Fernando was a fantastic and engaging group leader whose knowledge and enthusiasm for the area and Mayan culture couldn't help but rub off on the group. And he knows some great places to eat and drink too!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This is a fantastic and full itinerary for anyone interested in this part of the world

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Leave your selfie stick at home - they are taking over!

10

Cycle Mexico

Varied trip around Yucatan. The cycling was only part and wasn't very strenuous but very social and was about staying together as group. But in addition some swimming, some snorkeling, some Mayan Temple and Franciscan Monastery viewing. Enthusiastic guide who had it all planned carefully. Good hotel and lunchtime restaurants. Although food not as tasty and spicy as I hoped. Good end on beach at Tulum.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Walking around Coba Mayan site in the pouring rain

What did you think of your group leader?

Brillant - kept group together well

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Add on visit to Palenque - don't go to big beach resorts

Is there anything else you would like to add?

10

Hot in Yucatan

A great week of fast cycling in a flat landscape. Plenty of sightseeing too.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Chichen Itza

What did you think of your group leader?

Fernando was superb. He was laid back but nothing was too much trouble for him.
He clearly loves his country and is very proud of it and put that over very well to the group.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Drink plenty of water

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A very different biking holiday-give it a try!wU

8

Cycling in Yucatan

This trip has a good mixture of cycling, culture &amp; beach holiday. The cycling scenery is not the most exciting but frequent stops at colonial towns and Mayan villages make up for it. Cancun feels very American but as soon as you travel inland you feel like you are in a different country. The four main cycling days are very full on with sightseeing, swimming in cenotes etc so it was nice to have free time at the end to relax in Tulum.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The yellow town of Izamal, Mayan ruins (Tulum was my favourite) and swimming in cenotes.

What did you think of your group leader?

Fernando was great; very well organised, always helpful and amazingly knowledgeable about Mexican/Mayan culture.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't underestimate the heat! This trip is classified as moderate level but 39C (as we had on our hottest day) could add a level or two of difficulty if you are not used to it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Don't miss out on the optional boat trip on the last cycling day. The part where you float in the river is so much more fun than it sounds!

10

Lime and Chilli with every meal !!

If you want to see the real Mexico then this is the trip to take. Who needs Cancun when you can stay in some of the best small hotels that Mexico has to offer and eat some great food every day (that's where the chilli and lime comes in - if Fernando is your guide you will soon understand my comment!!). The beach hotel in Tulum is especially good. I just hope you don't get the rain that i experienced, I'm sure it does look good in the sunshine.
The days start early but you really do want to beat the heat if you can. Starting early means you get to hear the sounds of the cicadas, birds and general jungle noises before the heat of the day quietens everything down. The cool air and the sun rising through a hazy fog is a beautiful sight at 6.30am.
The cycling is steady and on very flat tarmac roads - but they are LONG !! Beware of the hill though - you will be warned and as it's at the end of a long day it might tax your energy !! This holiday is not for those who want to go off road - apart from one road in the middle of the holiday which might or might not be finished.
You will see the wildlife - most of it is as you are riding along, so stop and take a look at the baby turtles or millipede or tarantula crossing the road. Oh yes and the Turkey Vultures flying overhead!
All of the hotels were quality places and are comfortable and clean.
You will also be very well looked after by your guide Fernando (what he doesn't know about Mayan history isn't worth knowing ) and Edgar, who will make sure your bike is in top class order and also keep you entertained especially if you have a decent play-list on your i-Pod and supply him with Aldi Mint Imperials and Fruit Pastilles !!
This really is a great trip and i had a brilliant time and learnt so much about Mexico and it's very friendly people.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There are so many memories that i have taken from this holiday that i cannot pick out any one thing that i would say was the most inspirational. Swimming in a Cenote - whilst initially i felt a bit apprehensive, especially as you are going underground to get into the water, turned out to be a great experience.
Visiting the ruins at Chichen Itza and having the place brought to life with Fernando's description of what the place was used for and who the Mayan people were.
Snorkelling off the Isle De Mujeres.
The cycling each day through the jungle and seeing and hearing the life within.
Tasting the great food and trying out my tolerance levels for the differing strength of chilli's.
Oh yes and the margaritas at the beach hotel - happy hour it certainly is.

What did you think of your group leader?

Where to start ? I spent my time in Mexico with 2 people - Fernando and Edgar - who are very passionate about their country and who are also eager to know about where i lived too. Each day brought a new topic of conversation and learning on both parts for information about our respective lives. Fernando's knowledge on the Mayan people is extensive and at times i will admit the names all got a bit confusing but i am now reading up on the subject and it's all making sense.
They ran the trip with no hitches and nothing was too much trouble for them to sort out. Every day was as per the itinerary and if for any reason we couldn't follow the days plans the changes were just as good. The only thing that will spoil the itinerary is the weather but don't let that put you off - cycling in rain coming down like stair rods is a welcome relief on a hot humid day.
If you have these 2 guys on your trip you will be very well looked after and you will have a worry free holiday leaving you time to enjoy the cycling and the sights of Mexico. Just watch when they tell you that a chilli dip isn't 'too hot' !!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The first thing i would advise is to make sure you use your mosquito spray and plug in adaptor the fist night you are there. Your first hotel has a lot of trees in the courtyard and these will attract the little darlings, so despite the fact that you might not hear them, they are there! The one good thing though is that their bites don't itch for long, only a day for me, but then i did take anti-histamines each day.
Change you dollars (if that's what you have taken) into pesos as soon as you can or even take Pesos with you in the first place. You can use dollars when you are there but you will get your change in pesos and the exchange rate that the shops/ restaurants use might not give you the change you expect. There is a money exchange place in the bus station which is about a 10 minute walk from your hotel in Cancun. It's open on a Sunday too.
It's advise-able to use bottled water for cleaning your teeth. All of the hotels will leave you a bottle of water in the room and you have all of your water for the day time provided.
Wear a good sun cream - factor 50 if you don't want to burn.
Enjoy the food and try lots of things - the green drink Chia might look strange but it really is very refreshing especially with lemon in it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This is a trip for people who don't want to go down the All-Inclusive route of seeing Mexico, and thinking that Cozumel and Cancun are the only places to go to in this country. You will see that there are poor areas and places that you wouldn't think that people would be living in. There is litter at the side of the road as their rubbish collections aren't every Monday morning like in the UK. The beaches in Tulum, mainly away from the hotels are sadly suffering from deposits of plastic rubbish that have come from ships and the waste that we insist on throwing into the sea. This is seeing the real Mexico with as many faults as we have here.Despite this though you will get friendly waves from the locals as you cycle through their villages and children asking your name. You will eat food that has been prepared locally and eaten not just by the tourists but by the locals too. It's a trip for you to get a feel (be it for 11 days) of what it's like to live there. Enjoy it ands take it all in.

8

Viewing Mexico through a different lens

As a Canadian I have an idea of the Yucatan as a sun, beach and water vacation spot. This tour offered me the opportunity to see another side of this region - it's people, customs, history, food, cities and towns that the winter sun seeker does not see. If you want to learn more about Mexico, this is the tour to take.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Visiting the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, Isamal, Coba and Tulum. We were also traveling during the Mexican Independence celebration. Many of the small villages had school children out and about practising their dances, drumming, etc. On November 20 we witnessed a parade where children were dressed as historic figures and their mothers had on their best dresses which was lovely.

What did you think of your group leader?

Fernando was top notched. He and the support staff - Edgar and Max were great. Nothing was too much for them. We were a large group of 18 bicyclists and they kept us spinning. Fernando is a wealth of knowledge about the history, environment, cultural, socio/political scene of Mexico. But most important he loves his country and has great passion for it. This came through all the time during our travels. Thank you Fernando for a great tour!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Yucatan is hot and humid. Be prepared. The biking distances are long and the roads are straight, no hills or curves and the low, bush like jungle offers little by way of scenic views. A few people on the tour thought it was a bit boring compared to other tours where there is more variety. One of the ways I found myself coping was to really get into the "zen" of biking. It was a good opportunity to focus on your stride and work in a group to keep people going. Fernando broke up the distances with water and snack breaks usually in small villages which was essential.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

All the food along the way was delicious. I don't think I ever had a bad meal. It is all Mexican though, so don't expect fish &amp; chips. Tulum and the beach hotel at the end of the trip is fabulous.

10

Temples, Tortillas and Tequila

Take 3 Canadians, 14 Brits and a Geordie, give them all a decent bike, an excellent guide with a passion for Mayan culture, perfect blue sky and sunshine and a wonderfully varied schedule of cycling, sightseeing, eating, drinking and relaxing, and the result? An unforgettable trip that we would all happily do all over again.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The most inspirational moment? Maybe cycling into lovely ochre Izamal ... or our first view of Chichen Itza ... or descending into the Cenote Sagrado ... or the view from the top of the temple in Coba ... or floating down the lazy river at the Sian Ka'an Reserve ... (if floating whilst howling with laughter can qualify as inspirational)

What did you think of your group leader?

Fernando is a brilliant group leader. He has an amazing knowledge of Mayan culture and a real passion for the place and for the people. He looked after us throughout the trip with unfailing patience and good humour - even though it was like herding cats on occasions. And he even taught some of us new words - in English. Edgar, his number two, also did a great job keeping those at the back entertained and ensuring that everyone arrived in one piece.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The cycling isn't difficult as thee are no real hills on this trip but bring a padded saddle cover to absorb the impact of some fairly long stretches of cycling and a few very decent potholes. Also, squash concentrate or flavoured rehydration salts make the taste of lukewarm waiter much more bearable.
And do take up the option of the Sian Ka'an river trip - it is worth every penny.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I'd just like to add one warning - the standard of hotels on this trip will spoil you for every other Exodus holiday! They started well and just kept getting better - culminating in three nights of four star Caribbean luxury right on the beach at Tulum. Perfect end to a great trip.

Beoordelingen van onze reizigers

This was an excellent trip to Mayan Mexico. Visiting small villages, colonial towns, Mayan ruins denotes and the beach was a delight. The cycling was good and the information shared about the Mayan civilization was excellent. Excellent food, advice and facilities made this trip delightful.

The group leader was excellent- very knowledgeable, personable and helpful.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

10

Cycling in Mexico

A great trip for anybody who would like to have an active holiday with learning about the country. It is a perfect balance of work, seeing Mexico as it is (not just tourist destinations), seeing archeological and colonial landmarks with an excellent guide, and having time to relax while swimming, snorkeling, walking on a beach.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

By the end of the trip starting to feel very connected to the place.

What did you think of your group leader?

Fernando is an excellent guide. He made the trip a success.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be careful with food and water.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A dream vacation!

10

Once upon a time in Mexico....

Welcoming sun, vibrant colours, mouth-watering food, lush jungles, Mayan ruins and pristine white beaches. What more do you want as an escape plan from Britain’s dark and gloomy winters? After wandering the beautiful cobbled streets of colonial towns such as Merida and Izamal we would cycle the back roads of the Yucatan, through tiny Mayan villages often stopping off to explore a hidden Franciscan monastery or to swim in the crystal clear waters of a cenote. And of course you couldn’t visit the peninsula without exploring the impressive Mayan ruins that emerge through the jungle canopy. The hotels were also a huge bonus on this trip. Each had its own unique character (one built around a private jungle!) and every one had a private pool. And of course by the time you get to Tulum, you have the biggest pool of them all – the Caribbean Sea.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were so many unforgettable moments on that trip – stepping inside the otherworldly cenotes and taking in the sights and smells of the food market in Merida to name a few. But the most inspirational moment had to be the incredibly warm welcome from the locals as we cycled through the sleepy Mayan villages. People of all ages would rush off their porches with huge smiles, furiously waving and cheering like we were the peloton of the Tour de France. We were also incredibly fortunate to be travelling at the same time as the annual Guadalupe pilgrimage, in which Mexicans from all around the country cycle enormous distances in honour of the Virgin of Guadalupe. It made for an amazing spectacle as their bikes would be adorned with enormous flags, lights, sirens and almost any form of decoration that could fit on the frame of the bike. I will especially never forget the sight of one young worshipper cycling with a 5 foot statue strapped to his back!

What did you think of your group leader?

Fernando Cobos – what can I say… Honestly one of the best leaders I have been fortunate enough to meet. An extremely enthusiastic, hardworking, knowledgeable individual. There wasn’t a moment where Fernando wasn’t working above and beyond to ensure we were all having the best possible experience. His knowledge on Mexico and ancient Maya was almost encyclopaedic and his obvious passion for his country brought the history alive. On top of all of all of this, and fixing and adjusting our bikes, he had a great sense of humour (and put on a brave face with our terrible British jokes) and was just an all-round incredibly nice guy. Gracias Fernando!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Although the seats on the bikes are comfortable, I found that padded cycling shorts helped a lot for the longer cycling days. And make sure you have a camera handy on the bike as the locals in the Mayan villages loved having their photos taken, and the support vehicle with your equipment may not be there when you need it. Also every day Fernando would suggest local dishes specific to the area we were in. You need to try them all as they were absolutely delicious but for me the Pollo Pibil in Merida that was cooked in a banana leaf and the grilled Grouper in Tulum took joint first place.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Go! If you have always wanted to visit Mexico, this is by far the best way of doing.

10

Yucatan villages, towns and Mayan sites and all on a bike

This was one of the most enjoyable cycle trips we've done. It's a lovely mixture combining beautiful colonial towns such as Merida and Valladolid, three stunning Mayan sights (Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum), some interesting villages offering a welcome stop for snacks and drinks along with an inevitable visit to the church and some friendly contacts with local villagers. No doubt they wondered what these Europeans were doing on bikes when they could be swishing about in a car or tourist bus. Add to this, our guide, Fernando who immersed us in fascinating Mayan and Mexican culture, an introduction to Mexican cuisine, some welcome swims in cenotes (crystal-clear lagoons), an unforgettable visit to a marine biosphere and a final 2 days in Tulum, a relatively unspoilt coastal resort.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The most surreal moment was floating down the outlet of a huge freshwater lagoon as it made its way to the sea. Wearing a life jacket strapped to your lower body (rather like a nappy) made for 45 minutes of effortless and hugely enjoyable floating. In the heat of the day it was bliss.

What did you think of your group leader?

Fernando Cobos is an incredibly articulate and imaginative Mexican guide. Unlike many local guides who are often difficult to understand, Fernando's conversations were very clear and concise. He had a wealth of knowledge about Mayan and local cultures which helped to make the Mayan site visits an enriching experience. He was also a very good cycling guide with a welcome sense of humour.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The fairly long daily rides were on flat, mostly quiet roads and we were encouraged to cycle as fast or as slow as we wished although everyone in our group was tempted to keep up some quite high speeds. Fernando and Edgar, his colleague, did everything they could to make sure that the slowest did not feel uncomfortable or stressed in any way. Except for the last day, we passed through a number of interesting villages which provided a welcome snack and drink break, making the long rides quite manageable.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The bikes were in good condition and well maintained by Edgar, the back-up leader who has the obvious potential to become a good leader himself. Again, his English is very good indeed. Make sure you bring a pair of decently padded cycle shorts for the long runs. The whole trip was a wonderful mix of fun, effort and interest. We were blessed with a smashing group of fellow cyclists which made the experience that more enjoyable.

10

Cycling In Mexico-MAM

This is a trip for anyone interested in Mayan history and culture,Mexican colours and sounds,and for the food ( not to mention the margaritas ! ) The Yucatan peninsula is flat so the cycling is easy and allows reasonable speeds to be achieved. It is not a trip for anyone mainly interested in landscape scenery-the countryside is flat and mainly bush/shrubbery.The beauty is to be found in the towns e.g. Izamal with its ochre buildings.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Close run thing between the sunset at Izamal ( stunning against the ochre buildings ) and the wow factor of Chichen Itza-will opt for the former by a slender margin.

What did you think of your group leader?

Fernando was as good a guide as I have ever experienced-faultless really.He was charming and witty throughout,had a real passion for Mayan history,culture and religion accompanied by a thorough knowledge of his subject. It truly was educational in a very enjoyable way.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

We had early starts ( sunrise c 7am) and usually finished mid afternoon,followed by lunch c 4 pm. It is a long stretch without a meal,so bring snacks,energy bars etc. Bananas were provided by Exodus,also some cereal bars,but I would advise supplementing this with your own.
Also pack the mosquito repellant.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The quality of the hotels throughout was excellent-the final hotel ( 3 nights ) at Tulum Beach was luxury ! We never had any difficulty in finding good restaurants-mostly recommended by Fernando-and the standard of the food was high.
It is an active holiday-apart from the cycling,there is plenty of walking around historical sites and loads of opportunity for swimming.
Finally some of the roads have lots of potholes so care needs to be taken-Exodus might want to consider using hybrid bicycles with some suspension .

8

cycling mexico

Very interesting area visited. Fernando the guide was excellent and very knowledgeable.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Chichen Itza the highlight for me. Also enjoyed the little villages on the way.

What did you think of your group leader?

Very good. Extremely helpful and enthusiastic.
He had to change the first day's itinery because of bad weather but he did very well to organise an alternative at short notice.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Yes! Liz and I travelled 3 days early to get acclimatized, so arrived at the airport by ourselves. We wanted to get a taxi to Cancun town - only a short distance, say 8 or 9 km or so. The only taxis availiable were big people carrier types. The charge was 65 US dollars per person. It was not possible to get an ordinary small taxi. The rather rude driver then got 2 more people in - at the same fee! So he made 260 US dollars for a trip of 20 mins or so. Compare this to the really nice man who brought us back from Tulum to the airport a distance of 160 km taking 100 minutes for a fee of £50 say about 75 US dollars. When I got home I checked the net to find that you can't in fact get ordinary taxis at all at Cancun Airport, that there is some sort of cartel operating. This is a disgraceful scam!!! I think you can prebook a taxi, but I don't know if it's any cheaper. We could have got a bus to town but it took 2 hours to get through passport control and after an 11 hour flight we were exhausted. I think you should warn future travellers that this trap awaits them.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Maybe an official complaint from a respected tour company like yourselves to customer relations at Cancun Airport would be useful.

10

KuKulcan

As a non-cyclist on my first cycling holiday, this was the perfect introduction. A fantastic mix of exertion and culture, well organised and well led. I am already planning my next trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Chichen Itza - one of the new seven wonders of the world - was an incredible sight. But also the ordinary Mexican villages we cycled through, the cenotes and the lazy river - all great moments.

What did you think of your group leader?

Fernando was a fantastic and engaging group leader whose knowledge and enthusiasm for the area and Mayan culture couldn't help but rub off on the group. And he knows some great places to eat and drink too!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This is a fantastic and full itinerary for anyone interested in this part of the world

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Leave your selfie stick at home - they are taking over!

10

Cycle Mexico

Varied trip around Yucatan. The cycling was only part and wasn't very strenuous but very social and was about staying together as group. But in addition some swimming, some snorkeling, some Mayan Temple and Franciscan Monastery viewing. Enthusiastic guide who had it all planned carefully. Good hotel and lunchtime restaurants. Although food not as tasty and spicy as I hoped. Good end on beach at Tulum.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Walking around Coba Mayan site in the pouring rain

What did you think of your group leader?

Brillant - kept group together well

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Add on visit to Palenque - don't go to big beach resorts

Is there anything else you would like to add?

10

Hot in Yucatan

A great week of fast cycling in a flat landscape. Plenty of sightseeing too.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Chichen Itza

What did you think of your group leader?

Fernando was superb. He was laid back but nothing was too much trouble for him.
He clearly loves his country and is very proud of it and put that over very well to the group.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Drink plenty of water

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A very different biking holiday-give it a try!wU

8

Cycling in Yucatan

This trip has a good mixture of cycling, culture &amp; beach holiday. The cycling scenery is not the most exciting but frequent stops at colonial towns and Mayan villages make up for it. Cancun feels very American but as soon as you travel inland you feel like you are in a different country. The four main cycling days are very full on with sightseeing, swimming in cenotes etc so it was nice to have free time at the end to relax in Tulum.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The yellow town of Izamal, Mayan ruins (Tulum was my favourite) and swimming in cenotes.

What did you think of your group leader?

Fernando was great; very well organised, always helpful and amazingly knowledgeable about Mexican/Mayan culture.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't underestimate the heat! This trip is classified as moderate level but 39C (as we had on our hottest day) could add a level or two of difficulty if you are not used to it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Don't miss out on the optional boat trip on the last cycling day. The part where you float in the river is so much more fun than it sounds!

10

Lime and Chilli with every meal !!

If you want to see the real Mexico then this is the trip to take. Who needs Cancun when you can stay in some of the best small hotels that Mexico has to offer and eat some great food every day (that's where the chilli and lime comes in - if Fernando is your guide you will soon understand my comment!!). The beach hotel in Tulum is especially good. I just hope you don't get the rain that i experienced, I'm sure it does look good in the sunshine.
The days start early but you really do want to beat the heat if you can. Starting early means you get to hear the sounds of the cicadas, birds and general jungle noises before the heat of the day quietens everything down. The cool air and the sun rising through a hazy fog is a beautiful sight at 6.30am.
The cycling is steady and on very flat tarmac roads - but they are LONG !! Beware of the hill though - you will be warned and as it's at the end of a long day it might tax your energy !! This holiday is not for those who want to go off road - apart from one road in the middle of the holiday which might or might not be finished.
You will see the wildlife - most of it is as you are riding along, so stop and take a look at the baby turtles or millipede or tarantula crossing the road. Oh yes and the Turkey Vultures flying overhead!
All of the hotels were quality places and are comfortable and clean.
You will also be very well looked after by your guide Fernando (what he doesn't know about Mayan history isn't worth knowing ) and Edgar, who will make sure your bike is in top class order and also keep you entertained especially if you have a decent play-list on your i-Pod and supply him with Aldi Mint Imperials and Fruit Pastilles !!
This really is a great trip and i had a brilliant time and learnt so much about Mexico and it's very friendly people.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There are so many memories that i have taken from this holiday that i cannot pick out any one thing that i would say was the most inspirational. Swimming in a Cenote - whilst initially i felt a bit apprehensive, especially as you are going underground to get into the water, turned out to be a great experience.
Visiting the ruins at Chichen Itza and having the place brought to life with Fernando's description of what the place was used for and who the Mayan people were.
Snorkelling off the Isle De Mujeres.
The cycling each day through the jungle and seeing and hearing the life within.
Tasting the great food and trying out my tolerance levels for the differing strength of chilli's.
Oh yes and the margaritas at the beach hotel - happy hour it certainly is.

What did you think of your group leader?

Where to start ? I spent my time in Mexico with 2 people - Fernando and Edgar - who are very passionate about their country and who are also eager to know about where i lived too. Each day brought a new topic of conversation and learning on both parts for information about our respective lives. Fernando's knowledge on the Mayan people is extensive and at times i will admit the names all got a bit confusing but i am now reading up on the subject and it's all making sense.
They ran the trip with no hitches and nothing was too much trouble for them to sort out. Every day was as per the itinerary and if for any reason we couldn't follow the days plans the changes were just as good. The only thing that will spoil the itinerary is the weather but don't let that put you off - cycling in rain coming down like stair rods is a welcome relief on a hot humid day.
If you have these 2 guys on your trip you will be very well looked after and you will have a worry free holiday leaving you time to enjoy the cycling and the sights of Mexico. Just watch when they tell you that a chilli dip isn't 'too hot' !!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The first thing i would advise is to make sure you use your mosquito spray and plug in adaptor the fist night you are there. Your first hotel has a lot of trees in the courtyard and these will attract the little darlings, so despite the fact that you might not hear them, they are there! The one good thing though is that their bites don't itch for long, only a day for me, but then i did take anti-histamines each day.
Change you dollars (if that's what you have taken) into pesos as soon as you can or even take Pesos with you in the first place. You can use dollars when you are there but you will get your change in pesos and the exchange rate that the shops/ restaurants use might not give you the change you expect. There is a money exchange place in the bus station which is about a 10 minute walk from your hotel in Cancun. It's open on a Sunday too.
It's advise-able to use bottled water for cleaning your teeth. All of the hotels will leave you a bottle of water in the room and you have all of your water for the day time provided.
Wear a good sun cream - factor 50 if you don't want to burn.
Enjoy the food and try lots of things - the green drink Chia might look strange but it really is very refreshing especially with lemon in it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This is a trip for people who don't want to go down the All-Inclusive route of seeing Mexico, and thinking that Cozumel and Cancun are the only places to go to in this country. You will see that there are poor areas and places that you wouldn't think that people would be living in. There is litter at the side of the road as their rubbish collections aren't every Monday morning like in the UK. The beaches in Tulum, mainly away from the hotels are sadly suffering from deposits of plastic rubbish that have come from ships and the waste that we insist on throwing into the sea. This is seeing the real Mexico with as many faults as we have here.Despite this though you will get friendly waves from the locals as you cycle through their villages and children asking your name. You will eat food that has been prepared locally and eaten not just by the tourists but by the locals too. It's a trip for you to get a feel (be it for 11 days) of what it's like to live there. Enjoy it ands take it all in.

8

Viewing Mexico through a different lens

As a Canadian I have an idea of the Yucatan as a sun, beach and water vacation spot. This tour offered me the opportunity to see another side of this region - it's people, customs, history, food, cities and towns that the winter sun seeker does not see. If you want to learn more about Mexico, this is the tour to take.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Visiting the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, Isamal, Coba and Tulum. We were also traveling during the Mexican Independence celebration. Many of the small villages had school children out and about practising their dances, drumming, etc. On November 20 we witnessed a parade where children were dressed as historic figures and their mothers had on their best dresses which was lovely.

What did you think of your group leader?

Fernando was top notched. He and the support staff - Edgar and Max were great. Nothing was too much for them. We were a large group of 18 bicyclists and they kept us spinning. Fernando is a wealth of knowledge about the history, environment, cultural, socio/political scene of Mexico. But most important he loves his country and has great passion for it. This came through all the time during our travels. Thank you Fernando for a great tour!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Yucatan is hot and humid. Be prepared. The biking distances are long and the roads are straight, no hills or curves and the low, bush like jungle offers little by way of scenic views. A few people on the tour thought it was a bit boring compared to other tours where there is more variety. One of the ways I found myself coping was to really get into the "zen" of biking. It was a good opportunity to focus on your stride and work in a group to keep people going. Fernando broke up the distances with water and snack breaks usually in small villages which was essential.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

All the food along the way was delicious. I don't think I ever had a bad meal. It is all Mexican though, so don't expect fish &amp; chips. Tulum and the beach hotel at the end of the trip is fabulous.

10

Temples, Tortillas and Tequila

Take 3 Canadians, 14 Brits and a Geordie, give them all a decent bike, an excellent guide with a passion for Mayan culture, perfect blue sky and sunshine and a wonderfully varied schedule of cycling, sightseeing, eating, drinking and relaxing, and the result? An unforgettable trip that we would all happily do all over again.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The most inspirational moment? Maybe cycling into lovely ochre Izamal ... or our first view of Chichen Itza ... or descending into the Cenote Sagrado ... or the view from the top of the temple in Coba ... or floating down the lazy river at the Sian Ka'an Reserve ... (if floating whilst howling with laughter can qualify as inspirational)

What did you think of your group leader?

Fernando is a brilliant group leader. He has an amazing knowledge of Mayan culture and a real passion for the place and for the people. He looked after us throughout the trip with unfailing patience and good humour - even though it was like herding cats on occasions. And he even taught some of us new words - in English. Edgar, his number two, also did a great job keeping those at the back entertained and ensuring that everyone arrived in one piece.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The cycling isn't difficult as thee are no real hills on this trip but bring a padded saddle cover to absorb the impact of some fairly long stretches of cycling and a few very decent potholes. Also, squash concentrate or flavoured rehydration salts make the taste of lukewarm waiter much more bearable.
And do take up the option of the Sian Ka'an river trip - it is worth every penny.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I'd just like to add one warning - the standard of hotels on this trip will spoil you for every other Exodus holiday! They started well and just kept getting better - culminating in three nights of four star Caribbean luxury right on the beach at Tulum. Perfect end to a great trip.